Method of making curved casein plates



Julie 22 1926.

1,589,897 I. L. REEVES METHOD OF MAKING CURVED CASEIN PLATES Filed 060. 9, 1925 Ely- 2.

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A TTORNEV lit) Patented June 22,1926.

UNITED STATES IRA. I. REEVES, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

METHOD OF MAKING CURYED CASEIN' IPLATES.

Application filed October 9, 1925. Serial No. 61,384.

a This invention relates to a plate such as is used in electrical and household work and among the objects of the'invention are the provision of an article of the character set forth which can be inexpensively produced and which is eifective in action. As a matter of fact, the plate is employed in various capacities. It may be utilized as a wall plate in electric switching, or it can be employed with equal facility as a lock plate. While the invention is susceptible of considerable modification, I have in the drawing shown two forms of the invention which I will set forth fully in the following description. I am not restricted to this showing. I may depart therefrom in several respects within the scope of the claims following such description. As a matter of fact, as an incident .of the invention is a method.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a flush plate involving the invention.

Fig. 2 is an edge view as seen from the right in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear view.

Fig. 4 is a view, corresponding to Fig. 1, of a lock plate.

Fig. 5 is an elevation as seen from the right in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a rear view.

Like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

Ordinarily the plate is made of casein and is generally rectangular in form. It comprises a plate, such as 2, which in the construction shown functions as a flush plate. It has an observation opening, 3, which is ordinarily formed centrally in the bottom of an aperture or depression, as 4. On the front face the plate is beveled as at 5. Above and below the opening 3 are perforations, as 6 and 7.

Initially the plate is immersed in warm water, not over.210 Fahrenheit. It is left in the water about one minute or less sufficient to give it a curl, as shown in Fig. 2. After being in the water for about one minute it is taken out and then dropped into cold water. While in the warm water,-

with the rear side, shown in Fig. 3, down the plate is iven a curve, as shown in said Fig. 2. On t e back of the plate there may be above and below the perforations 6 and apertures, as 8 and 9, usually of rectangular formation. These apertures are in the plate when immersed in the fluids in the manner set forth.

The foregoing description applies partlcularly to the structure represented in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

In Figs. 4:, 5 and 6 is represented a structure that is adapted primarily for locks. In this structure the plate 10 has a key hole 11 and also an opening 12. In addition to the two I slots set forth the plate may have through it, near the corners, holes 14:. In making the lock plate, practically the same proceeding is followed as has been described in conjunction with the wall plate.

It will be clear that in both forms of the invention it is not necessary to bend the plate while immersed in hot water or other hot liquid, or while' applied to hot plates. As a matter of fact it can be curved, or bent by hand or in forms or molds, after removing from hot Water or other means of heatmg, and then permitted to cool by, for instance, immersmg in cold water. As a matter of fact the plate can be heated between. so-called hot plates, or on only one hot plate. After the material is heated it can then be formed in the desired shape and then fixed in the desired shape by cooling again. The dipping in cold water is merely for the purpose of expediting cooling and the setting of the desired shape in order to cause the plate to set flush with the wall, door face or other surfaces and retain the flush position.

The plate is produced in the curved form in order that when screws are applied they will straighten the plate to fit the surface, since the characteristics of the material from which the plates are made is such that it is slightly hydroscopic and has a tendency to change its form when exposed to varying degrees of humidity or other moisture. Its tendency to curve when thus exposed to moisture is always in the direction of its curvature after one or both faces of the material have been finished. Curving the plates inward in the case of electric switch platesand outward in the case of door plates, or

other plates where the screws are nearer the margin assures a permanent flush, or flattened posit-ion of the plate when attached to the wall or other surface. The application of the screws in attaching the plate tothe wall or other surface flattens the plates against such surface, and retains them in that flush position in connection with the wall or other surfaces.

The term casein as used herein applies to substances obtained from milk, and its commercial form is also known as Karolith, Erinoid, Galolith and Alladdinite.

What I claim is:

1. A methodwhich comprises the immersion of a plate of casein in a heated sub stance, removing the plate from the heated substance and then immersing in a. cold substance.

2. A method of producing a plate of casein which comprises immersing the plate in a solution of warm Water, not over 210 15 Fahrenheit, removing the plate from the warm water and dipping it in cold Water.

3. A method of producing a curved plate of casein which comprises subjection of a plate to successive heating and cooling 2 actions, and while heated curving the plate.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

IRA L. REEVES. 

